STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New research indicating that lengthy car commutes could expose drivers to dangerous carcinogens is particularly troubling for Staten Islanders, who endure one of the longest average commutes in the county.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California Riverside (UCR) claims that drivers who spend more than 20 minutes at a time in their car are at an increased risk of inhaling two hazardous carcinogens -- formaldehyde and benzene.
“Our study raises concerns about the potential risk associated with inhalation of benzene and formaldehyde for people who spend a significant amount of time in their vehicles, an issue that is especially pertinent to traffic-congested areas where people have longer commutes,” according to the study’s lead author, Aalekhya Reddam, a graduate student at UCR.
Formaldehyde and benzene, two toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and developmental defects, are often embedded in the carpets, paints and fuels used in most vehicles.
Researchers found that the vast majority of drivers in California’s most-trafficked areas, like Los Angeles and San Diego, have approximately a 10% chance of inhaling these dangerous chemicals during their daily commute.
Staten Island, the most car-dependent borough in New York City, has long been plagued by one of the lengthiest commutes in the country, with residents spending an average of 42.7 minutes to get to work, and more than one-third of Staten Islanders spending over an hour each way, according to U.S. Census data.
To quell potential fears that may arise as a result of the study, David Volz, an environmental toxicology professor and co-author of the study, told USA Today that the findings “do not in any way suggest or conclude that if you spend 20 minutes in your car, you’re going to get cancer.”
Instead, the potential risk of becoming sick from these toxic chemicals is dependent on the circumstances of your trip and construction of your vehicle.
“Of course, there is a range of exposure that depends on how long you’re in the car, and how much of the compounds your car is emitting,” Reddam said.
As a result, those who do spend inordinate amounts of time on the road, like truckers and taxi drivers, could be at an increased risk, prompting researchers to call for additional studies to assess the potential long-term effects.
“There is a need for more information on the potential association between commute time within vehicles and exposure to both of these chemicals,” according to the study.
Researchers are also calling on car manufacturers to identify and utilize alternative chemicals during the manufacturing process that do not pose the same threats to public health.
To minimize your risk of exposure, Reddam recommended driving with the windows down whenever possible.
“At least with some air flow, you’d be diluting the concentration of these chemicals inside your car,” said Reddam.